We all seek happiness, peace, clarity and focus of mind, and an overall sense of well-being. Our ancient scriptures offer timeless wisdom that can help us attain these life goals. Two of the important texts - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (YSP) and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (HYP) - provide deep insights into the concept and practices of yoga that can help us achieve these goals. YSP provides wisdom related to the concepts, philosophy and psychology of yoga. The HYP, authored by Swami Swatmarama in the 15th century CE, gives us all the practical aspects of how to make yoga a way of life. This classical text goes beyond mere asana and pranayama practices, serving as a holistic guide toward Self-realization.
Within its first chapter, the HYP presents a verse - Chapter 1, Verse 15 - which delineates six attributes of human nature which act as obstacles to progress in the path of yoga. In fact, in the verse they are labeled as "destroyers of yoga". Some commentators on the text have labeled these six impediments as 'badhaka tattvas' (बाधक तत्त्व - bādhaka tattva) which translates as elements (tattva) that impede (bādhaka). The implication is that these six are impediments in the path of yoga.
As many of you are aware, I teach weekly ongoing yoga classes as per the schedule given below. These classes are offered both online via Zoom as well as in-person at my home studio.
I recently published my book, “Pranayama for energy, vigor and vitality”. This book contains detailed instructions on all the Pranayama practices that I cover in the various yoga courses that I offer. You are welcome to get a printed version of the book from me ($10). You can also buy the book on Amazon – both kindle version and printed version are available.
As you are aware, buyers depend on product reviews on Amazon to make their buying decision. Once you obtain a copy of the book, I'd truly appreciate your writing a review on Amazon. That will help promote the book further so more people can get the book and derive benefits from their pranayama practices.
Chaturanga dandasana
You can participate in the program online via zoom or in-person at my home studio.
Flyer: You can view and download the flyer here.
Program Information
- Participation: Hybrid mode
- In-person at my home yoga studio: 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560
- Remotely via zoom – zoom login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
- When: Wednesday July 9 - Sunday, July 13, 2025
- Time: 6:00 - 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
- Program Fee:
- $50 - cash, check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
- $55 - paypal (go to bottom of page)
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- To register: please fill out the registration form , providing information in all the fields, and submit it online.
- Daily routine:
- Yoga sequence with focus on strengthening the upper body and the core
- Yoga Nidra (relaxation)
- Pranayama
- Brief meditation
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
Yoga May Improve Physical Function and Reduce Disease Activity in RA
Yoga interventions delivered alongside standard medical therapy may lead to improvements in physical function and disease activity among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to study results published in ACR Open Rheumatology.
Although RA is primarily treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, concerns around side effects and patient burden have prompted interest in complementary therapies. To assess the potential benefits of yoga, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and key characteristics of yoga interventions used in conjunction with standard medical treatment.
Read more ...
Yoga Shaping Modern Leadership: International Yoga Day 2025
Yoga isn't just about wellness anymore. It's about wisdom. In a time defined by rapid change and digital overload, the ability to remain grounded, intentional, and clear-headed is emerging as a distinct leadership advantage. Yoga is no longer the side note. It's becoming a lifestyle. What began as an ancient practice is finding new relevance in the boardrooms and daily lives of India's business leaders. Once confined to early morning routines and wellness retreats, yoga is now being embraced as a strategy for clarity, calm, and leadership resilience.
Read more ...
Yoga & Dialysis:Just do it!
In people with diabetes, yoga has been found to lower blood sugar in several ways: by lowering cortisol and adrenaline levels, encouraging weight loss, and improving sensitivity to the effects of insulin. If your blood sugar levels improve, there is a reduced risk of diabetic complications such as heart attack, kidney and blindness.
Read more ...
What science says about yoga, meditation, and the human brain
In an environment filled with never-ending distractions and obligations, ancient mind-body practices like yoga and meditation are more relevant than ever. As people around the globe are celebrating International Yoga Day, scientists are taking notice of the practical, evidence-based benefits of these traditional approaches.
Read more ...
Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
